Fængslet (Horsens State Prison)
Fængslet / Horsens Statsfængsel
Denmark's oldest state prison, which held inmates from 1853 to 2006. It is now an interactive prison museum where you can visit cells and hear stories of escapes.
Horsens State Prison opened in 1853 and closed in 2006. It was Denmark's longest-serving prison, and it is now the museum “Fængslet.” Visitors can enter the preserved cell blocks, the solitary confinement cells and the exercise yards. The exhibitions cover prisoners' daily lives, the guard system and famous escape attempts, and some sections are narrated by former guards and prisoners. There is also a prison-themed escape game and an overnight experience. Tickets cost about DKK 200, and you should allow 2–3 hours. From Aarhus, take a train for about 25 minutes to Horsens station, then walk or take a bus for about 15 minutes. It can be combined with the Jelling runestones into a one-day trip through central Jutland.
Opening hours
Usually 10:00–17:00 (shorter hours on some winter dates; check official website)
Nearby sights
- Ejer Bavnehøj
- Himmelbjerget
- Moesgaard Museum
- Tivoli Friheden
- Marselisborg Palace
- Den Gamle By
- Marselisborg Deer Park
- Aarhus Botanical Garden